Entry 12: Due: November 23, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Reflecting and drawing on all of your postings, class discussions and course readings, address this final question: Why should we study history?
“Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results” (Machiavelli). Machiavelli’s quote says it all. How and why did we get to where we are today? The answer is all in one word… history. Without history, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Although dates, names, and locations are important, the most important aspect of studying history lies within the values and lessons. Without knowing history and the past, one would have a hard time understanding the present. It is also important to study history to prevent future mistakes. We are able to learn from past mistakes to better our future. Studying and knowing history informs while bettering future generations at the same time.
Works Cited:
Machiavelli. Quotes about history. Retrieved from http://hnn.us/articles/1328.html
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Week 11- November 11, 2010
Entry 11: Due: November 11, 2010
Guiding Prompt: Respond to this quote by Litner (2005) "A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others." Agree? Disagree? Why?
I agree with Litner’s quote that “A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.” Many students find social studies boring. The history of information tends to be detailed and lengthy. Often times, social studies/history consists of dates, names, and facts. Because of this, students find the material hard to relate to, thus, making it hard to understand and retain. If teachers were able to find a way to allow students to link the lives and experiences of others to their own lives and experiences, I believe individuals would digest and retain the information much better. Students become more engaged in class material when they are able to relate it to their personal lives; they are able to see how it applies to their own lives. Although many teachers don’t make this link evident in their teaching lessons and plans, I believe it is imperative that educators strive to make the link between students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.
Guiding Prompt: Respond to this quote by Litner (2005) "A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others." Agree? Disagree? Why?
I agree with Litner’s quote that “A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.” Many students find social studies boring. The history of information tends to be detailed and lengthy. Often times, social studies/history consists of dates, names, and facts. Because of this, students find the material hard to relate to, thus, making it hard to understand and retain. If teachers were able to find a way to allow students to link the lives and experiences of others to their own lives and experiences, I believe individuals would digest and retain the information much better. Students become more engaged in class material when they are able to relate it to their personal lives; they are able to see how it applies to their own lives. Although many teachers don’t make this link evident in their teaching lessons and plans, I believe it is imperative that educators strive to make the link between students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 10- November 3, 2010
Entry 10: Due: November 3, 2010
Guiding Prompt: One of the integrated assessments described in your reading this week was, "Search for Meaning." Share this week about what you are learning in EDU 358 that is meaningful to you
In my opinion, one of the most important integrated assessments is “searching for meaning” in the material. If students don’t find meaning to the information they are learning, they will most likely become disengaged and lose interest. On the other hand, if students are able to apply what they are learning to their life and see how it relates, they will probably play closer attention and gain more from the lesson. In EDU 358, we are learning a lot of information that is meaningful to me. As an educator, it is crucial to know the information and material that is being taught. EDU 358 is a great teaching tool for learning how to know, understand, and teach the information. For example, in chapter 6 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies” I read about the mechanics and substance in planning lessons and activities. I also learned how powerful motivation is in the amount of transference and level of retention for students. I really liked chapter 10 in the class textbook as it showed me how projects are an effective way to create integrated learning models. From this, I was able to see how group projects put the SOCIAL into SOCIAL studies. This class has also opened my eyes to diversity and how important it is to include this in my future classroom; 4 ways to teach diversity are contributions approach, additive approach, transformational approach, and social action approach. Learning how to implement diversity in my future classroom was very interesting and meaningful to me. Overall, EDU 358 has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of meaningful information that I will be able to apply to my future profession as an elementary teacher.
Guiding Prompt: One of the integrated assessments described in your reading this week was, "Search for Meaning." Share this week about what you are learning in EDU 358 that is meaningful to you
In my opinion, one of the most important integrated assessments is “searching for meaning” in the material. If students don’t find meaning to the information they are learning, they will most likely become disengaged and lose interest. On the other hand, if students are able to apply what they are learning to their life and see how it relates, they will probably play closer attention and gain more from the lesson. In EDU 358, we are learning a lot of information that is meaningful to me. As an educator, it is crucial to know the information and material that is being taught. EDU 358 is a great teaching tool for learning how to know, understand, and teach the information. For example, in chapter 6 of “Teaching and Learning Elementary Social Studies” I read about the mechanics and substance in planning lessons and activities. I also learned how powerful motivation is in the amount of transference and level of retention for students. I really liked chapter 10 in the class textbook as it showed me how projects are an effective way to create integrated learning models. From this, I was able to see how group projects put the SOCIAL into SOCIAL studies. This class has also opened my eyes to diversity and how important it is to include this in my future classroom; 4 ways to teach diversity are contributions approach, additive approach, transformational approach, and social action approach. Learning how to implement diversity in my future classroom was very interesting and meaningful to me. Overall, EDU 358 has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot of meaningful information that I will be able to apply to my future profession as an elementary teacher.
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